If you had invested ₹10,000 in gold or Bitcoin at the beginning of 2020, how much would it be worth today? A comparison of the two assets shows a significant difference in their returns over the past six years.
A ₹10,000 investment in Bitcoin would have grown to approximately ₹1.62 lakh by October 2026, while the same amount invested in gold would be worth around ₹38,700, according to calculations shared by CoinDCX.
The comparison is based on prices on January 1, 2020, and October 2026.
While Bitcoin delivered considerably higher returns, the two assets also differ in their volatility and role in an investment portfolio.
Gold vs Bitcoin: What would ₹10,000 have become?
On January 1, 2020, 24-karat gold was priced at approximately ₹39,038 per 10 grams, while Bitcoin traded at around ₹5.14 lakh.
By October 2026, gold had risen to approximately ₹1.51 lakh per 10 grams, while Bitcoin was valued at around ₹83.36 lakh.
Based on these prices, a ₹10,000 investment in gold would have appreciated to approximately ₹38,700, translating into a return of around 287%. The same investment in Bitcoin would have grown to approximately ₹1.62 lakh, delivering a return of nearly 1,522%.
| Investment | Gold | Bitcoin |
|---|---|---|
| Initial investment | ₹10,000 | ₹10,000 |
| Price on January 1, 2020 | ₹39,038/10 grams | ₹5.14 lakh |
| Price in October 2026 | ₹1.51 lakh/10 grams | ₹83.36 lakh |
| Investment value | ₹38,700 | ₹1.62 lakh |
| Return | 287% | 1,522% |
(Source: CoinDCX. Figures are approximate.)
Can Bitcoin replace gold as a safe-haven asset?
Bitcoin is often called digital gold because of its limited supply. However, the two assets have not consistently behaved alike during periods of market uncertainty.
Gold has a longer history as a store of value and portfolio diversifier. Bitcoin, meanwhile, has experienced sharp price fluctuations and corrections, with its performance influenced by investor sentiment, liquidity and regulatory developments.
A World Gold Council research paper examining portfolios containing gold and Bitcoin found that adding gold to a Bitcoin portfolio could improve risk-adjusted returns and reduce maximum drawdowns. This points to the possibility of the two assets serving different purposes within an investment portfolio.
How should investors approach the two assets?
The World Gold Council’s March 2026 analysis of Indian portfolios found that a hypothetical portfolio with a 7.5-15% allocation to gold delivered better risk-adjusted returns and lower drawdowns over a 19-year period. These findings are based on historical portfolio analysis and do not constitute a recommended allocation for every investor.
Commenting on the comparison, Rohit Jain, Chief Investment and Strategy Officer at CoinDCX, said the performance of gold and Bitcoin since January 2020 highlights how different asset classes can generate value over the long term.
He said investors should align their investment strategy with their financial goals, risk appetite and investment horizon. Diversification across asset classes can help manage portfolio risk, while investors should understand the distinct characteristics of each investment.
NOTE TO READERS
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers should consult certified experts before making any investment decisions.